The Green Falcons were previously in action in March, losing 2-1 to Bolivia in a friendly, while the North American outfit suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup quarter-final on July 9.
Follow Us
Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica will face off in an international friendly at St James’ Park on Friday night. The Green Falcons were previously in action in March, losing 2-1 to Bolivia in a friendly, while the North American outfit suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the Gold Cup quarter-final on July 9. The AFC nation will begin life under the new management of Roberto Mancini, while Los Ticos will play one more friendly against United Arab Emirates this month before beginning their CONCACAF Nations League campaign in November.
🟢 Matchday 🟢
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 🆚 Costa Rica 🇨🇷
🖥 | @riyadiyatv
🕙⎪ 10 : 00 pm KSA
🏟⎪ St. James’ Park
🏆 | Friendly Match#GreenFalcons pic.twitter.com/GIiCFWkTXh— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) September 8, 2023
Saudi Arabia have recorded just two wins from their last ten games across all competitions, and one of those win was against Argentina in their World Cup opener in Qatar last year. Although, the Green Falcons got eliminated in the group stage after losing their remaining two fixtures, their victory against the world champions was a huge boost for a nation who are aiming to reach the pinnacle of world football. The oil rich nation appointed Euro 2020 winner Mancini as the head coach in August and the Italian tactician’s primary objective is to end a four-game losing run of the Saudi’s and then build some confidence ahead of their World Cup qualification campaign which begins in November. After the game against Costa Rica, Mancini’s men will play one more friendly against South Korea at the same venue next week.
Costa Rica, on the other hand, had a disappointing CONCACAF Gold Cup across June and July campaign in USA, having been eliminated in the last eight stage. Los Ticos lost 2-0 to Mexico in the quarter-final match of the continental championship courtesy of two second-half efforts from Orbelin Pineda and Erick Sanchez. Upon looking at the larger picture, La Tricolor have won just three of their last 10 outings in all competitions, while recording six defeats and one draw in the period. Now, looking ahead to the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League, Costa Rica have a bye to the quarter-finals.
Saudi Arabia probable starting lineup: Al-Owais, Al-Ghannam, Al-Bulaihi, Al-Shahrani, Abdulhamid, Kanno, Al-Khaibari, Al-Najei, Al-Muwallad, Al-Buraikan, Al-Dawsari
Costa Rica probable starting lineup: Chamorro, Valverde, Vargas, Watson, Calvo, Azofeifa, Borges, Campbell, Alcocer, Madrigal, Contreras
Saudi Arabia
| Opponents | Score |
| Bolivia | 1-2 (L) |
| Venezuela | 2-1 (L) |
| Oman | 1-2 (L) |
| Iraq | 0-2 (L) |
| Yemen | 0-2 (W) |
Costa Rica
| Opponents | Score |
| Mexico | 2-0 (L) |
| Martinique | 6-4 (W) |
| El Salvador | 0-0 (D) |
| Panama | 1-2 (L) |
| Ecuador | 1-3 (L) |
The international friendly between Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica will take place at St James’ Park on Saturday at 12:30 am IST.
| Saudi Arabia vs Costa Rica | Key Details |
| Date | September 9 (UK) |
| Venue | St. James’ Park |
| Kickoff time in Saudi Arabia | 10:00 pm (Friday) |
| Kickoff time in Costa Rica | 1:00 pm (Friday) |
| Kickoff time in UK | 8:00 pm (Friday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 12:30 am (Saturday) |
football fans in Costa Rica can catch the live action via Repretel En Vivo. Meanwhile, those in Saudi Arabia can watch the match on SSC.
More football news:
Sambi Lokonga to Luton Town: What will the new signing bring to Luton?
